EPISODE 13: ARRIVAL
415 Words
Damon pulled into the familiar parking lot just as the sun climbed higher into the sky. The engine went quiet, but the world around him didn’t. Laughter echoed from somewhere nearby, a mix of voices he recognized even before he saw them.
He stepped out of the car, stretching his arms, when a shout rang out.
“Look who finally decided to come back to the real world!”
Damon turned just in time to see Lewis leaning against the railing, coffee cup in hand, grin wide and unapologetic. Trevor and Rodney flanked him, eyes bright with mischief.
“I was starting to think you’d retired,” Trevor added. “Living the rich-boy life full-time.”
Rodney laughed. “Yeah, man. Should’ve just stayed home. Breakfast with Mom every day? Sounds peaceful.”
Damon shook his head, a small smile tugging at his lips despite himself. “You guys never miss an opportunity, do you?”
“That’s our job,” Lewis said, pushing off the railing. “To keep you humble.”
They closed in around him, quick handshakes turning into rough pats on the back. The energy was lighter than he expected: familiar, effortless, like slipping into an old hoodie that still fit.
“So,” Trevor said, eyeing the car. “That's yours now?”
Damon hesitated, then nodded. “Yeah.”
A chorus of low whistles followed.
“Must be nice,” Rodney muttered. “Some of us are still battling buses.”
Lewis smirked. “Better get used to driving us around then.”
Damon laughed quietly, but something in him remained guarded. The teasing was harmless but he could already feel the pull of comfort, the way it asked him to relax his resolve.
“Are you staying long?” Trevor asked.
“Whole semester,” Damon replied.
Rodney grinned. “Good. We missed you. The place hasn’t been the same without you.”
Damon glanced around, the familiar buildings, the shared memories etched into corners he hadn’t noticed before. For a moment, it felt easy. Too easy.
“Come on,” Lewis said, slinging an arm over his shoulder. “Let’s get you settled. You’ve got stories to tell.”
As they walked toward the building, Damon allowed himself one last breath of lightness. Laughter followed them inside, echoing down the apartment.
But beneath it all, a quiet thought stirred. Homecomings were dangerous.
They made you forget what you promised yourself on the road back.
To be continued....
- Writer
